Alembic Essence Exploiter Value?

I have been offered a 1996 Alembic Essence Exploiter by a good friend. I am evaluating it now and it plays and sounds fantastic and is in excellent condition. $2,500

My wife will make it my anniversary present IF I AGREE to a 5 year Hiatus from buying/trading/thinking-about another Bass.
I have 2 German Warwicks (fretless nt thumb & 5 String bo $$ vette) and a 96 MIA Jazz, but won't be scratching that "I want a Modulus" Jones anytime soon if I do this.

Very nice bass I've never seen an Exploiter with Essence pickups and electronics. I think anywhere in the $2000 to $2600 range is fair, especially since this is unusual.
Essence basses usually range about $1800 to $2000
You may want to post a thread on the Alembic Forum for more info

Looks like a fine bass and the price isn't horrible (though not a steal by any means). You don't see many Exploiters with Essence electronics, so that is a plus.

I think the tough thing is the 5 year hiatus. You very well might catch the Alembic bug and need to move around their different models. Maybe you can modify the agreement to only owning one Alembic at a time.

Looks like a fine bass and the price isn't horrible (though not a steal by any means). You don't see many Exploiters with Essence electronics, so that is a plus.
Bones

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Thanks Bones, I appreciate the advice. The bass has been babied and has the Original warranty/Instrument Wood Card- yet to be registered. I do not mind giving a friend top dollar for a premium instrument.

I am, however, concerned about the Alembic Bug.
(My $$ will probably go towards a SC Sig to keep the Spyder Ltd & Series 1 Company) Spread the Disease?